2016 Australian Open Day 1 multi bet odds and tips

The problem with betting the early rounds is that the high profile players such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Australia’s own Nick Kyrgios are all short odds, but bookmakers are offering handicap markets which make for some good fun.

Day 1 features the world’s best players looking to get their first Grand Slam win for the new year. The first high-profile match includes wild child Nick Kyrgios, who will be looking to show some maturity on the court this season.

The young Aussie is a short-priced favourite to topple Carreno-Busta, who is expected to lose in straight sets according to bookmakers.

Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and recent winner Milos Raonic are all on the Day 1 card, so all the stars are out to grace the courts of Melbourne.

Australian Open Tennis – Day 1 multi-bet

Nadal ($1.10) vs. Verdasco ($6)

Rafael Nadal hasn’t been himself over the past few years and knee injuries are the main reason why. The Spaniard is the very short favourite to beat Fernando Verdasco in the first round, but this all-Spanish clash could surprise a few.

Verdasco has the ability to extend matches into the fourth and fifth sets, which will give Nadal some problems. Bookmakers expect Nadal to win 3-0 ($1.67), but we’re leaning more towards the Verdasco +2.5 sets at $2 with Sportsbet.com.au.

Verdasco only need to win a set and we think he’s a chance of opening his 2016 Australian Open campaign in good fashion.

Kyrgios ($1.12) vs. Carreno-Busta ($5.70)

Many punters are picking Nick Kyrgios to go all the way, and even though we think he’s not up to the standard of the world’s best, he will make it through to the second round.

The $1.12 is a touch short for us and we’re leaning towards the sets betting market. Kyrgios is currently $1.80 to win 3-0 and we don’t think he will drop a set against Carreno-Busta.

This game should be over quickly so don’t miss out putting Nick in your multi-bets.

Tomic ($1.17) vs. Istomin ($4.65)

Formerly the problem child of Australian tennis till Kyrgios came to the party, Bernard Tomic looks to silence his doubters with a strong Australian Open performance.

Tomic isn’t bomb proof, especially against the likes of Istomin who is good enough to test some of the world’s best players. Istomin is worth a gamble at $4.65 to win the match, but we think taking him to win a set is more the sensible multi-bet option.

Istomin is paying $1.72 to win a set which should boost the multi up a touch.

Hewitt ($1.53) vs. Duckworth ($2.50)

It’s Aussie vs. Aussie as Hewitt faces Duckworth where the home crowd will be cheering every point. Both players are worthy of making the second round, but Lleyton Hewitt is the king of pulling through when he needs to.

Hewitt often looks under pressure, but he will fight to the very end and he’s beaten players much more talented than Duckworth. Hewitt may well drop a set or two in this match with Duckworth paying $1.25 to win a set, but Hewitt should pull through for our multi.